Will the Upcoming Paramount Merger Make for Better UFC Cards at the Apex?
With the UFC’s tenure at ESPN coming to an end, several variables are being brought into question regarding the state of fight cards and fighter pay. It’s not unfair to say that more than a few Fight Night cards have been lackluster. ESPN+ has been the home for all non-numbered cards for the UFC. The streaming service is no stranger to issues, with a noticeable decrease in advertisements, resulting in long minutes of silence between fights and commentary. This, coupled with ESPN’s more than complicated search function, has made it a disaster to find specific fights during the multi-year deal. All of this is subject to change in the new year with Paramount’s acquisition of the UFC’s streaming rights.
Rumors have been abound for the past months about renovations at the Apex, the UFC’s own center to host fights. The octagon in its center is actually five feet smaller than the octagons used for stadium events. While UFC President Dana White has shot down these stirrings, it remains a poignant topic of conversation that the Apex has been a less-than-popular host for fights. The limited seating, smaller octagon, and overall cheaper feel have been a matter of contention with fans for a long time. With more money to throw around, will the UFC finally choose to upgrade its personal venue?
As I mentioned earlier, fighter pay has also been a hot topic of conversation since the inception of the UFC. As professionals, MMA fighters make some of the lowest wages of any sport, especially if said fighters are not at the very top of the heap. This merger could be the very thing that fighters needed to advocate for higher pay and bonuses. In the new year, we could see a new minimum for bonuses far above the normal 50K. As athletes are constantly putting their own health and longevity on the line, I believe this change will be necessary for the continuation of the UFC’s future. The new year will bring many more topics to the table, but only time will make them clear. I look forward to any news that arrives, both sooner and later.
